University introduces 'be healthy' social media contest

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A social media contest open to all students and employees is underway in an effort to measure and improve health at Western Michigan University.

The contest, #BeHealthyWMU, is an interactive initiative to promote healthy behaviors among members of the campus community. It invites students and employees to share their healthy habits by posting photos and videos, along with comments, in social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BeHealthyWMU.

During the fall 2015 semester, the contest is focusing on six semimonthly health topics. Topics so far have covered healthy eating, healthy habits and healthy relationships. The remaining topics, along with their posting time periods, are:

Fitness, Oct. 31 to Nov. 13.

Balance, Nov. 14 to 27.

Stress reduction, Nov. 28 to Dec. 11.

At the end of each semiweekly period, the most creative and inspiring content posted is judged by students and rewarded with a prize.

Contest information, resources

To take part in the contest, those interested should follow the social media accounts of the WMU Healthy Campus 2020 committee, the Sindecuse Health Center, Dining Services, Residence Life, University Recreation and other participating units.

For instance, follow @BeHealthy_WMU on Instagram, the Sindecuse Health Center on Facebook or @Sindecuse on Twitter.

A #BeHealthyWMU logo is available to be used for health and wellness-related events, programs and initiatives around campus.

Healthy Campus 2020

The #BeHealthyWMU contest is part of WMU's Healthy Campus 2020 effort to raise the overall health of students and employees by connecting, coordinating and assessing the diverse ways the campus community creates a healthy environment.

It is being overseen by the Healthy Campus 2020 committee and aligns with the WMU Strategic Plan as well as the national Healthy Campus 2020 initiative. At WMU, the healthy campus effort aims to advance and sustain a healthy and safe University community by addressing all aspects of wellness, including physical, emotional, intellectual, social, financial and spiritual wellness, and to track evidence of related institutional change.

WMU units, programs and organizations that work to support health and wellness are invited to collaborate with this effort, and many already have been involved in it.